Hirohito's American Horse!

Emperor Hirohito of Japan riding a white stallion is one of the enduring images of WWII. But the story behind his horses is fascinating and directly connected to the United States. America was determined to capture Hirohito's horse.

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress
Sources:
- 'Equestrian Deception' by Judi Daly, The Long Riders Guild Academic Foundation
- 'Richard Riley Fitzgerald and the Emperor's New Horse', Kamas Valley History Group

[Gorbachoph]

How did you ever decide on the intro music? It's iconic now.

[thedangler]

THIS IS A CERTIFIED MARK FELTON CLASSIC

[Roller_Ghoster]

Hirohito's American horse and Hitlers crocodile taken prisoner and held in a Soviet zoo. How else would you have found out about these crazy tales but for this rather fabulous channel.

[dinsdalemontypiranha]

As a horseman since age 5 and the former owner of a horse ranch, I always wondered about the conformation (body shape) of Hirohito's horse. It always looked American rather than Japanese to me.
Thanks for informing me of the story.

[kathleenmcmanus]

It never fails to amaze me with the wonderful facts that you bring to our attention

[Chuckles..]

Another touching WW2 animal story. Seems like the horses where well cared for, especially the two allowed to remain in Japan.

[fordfairlanedr]

Gotta love this kinda history..Mark Felton professor of forgotten history ❤

[guysoceanharmonics]

I remember an Australian soldier being interviewed regarding his time as part of the occupation force in Japan and he said they were so polite it was hard to believe that we were ever at war with them, strange considering how horrific the Japanese were throughout the war.

[ekim]

I'm thinking that given his rate of production, the good doctor isn't a fan of sleep. Both channels are absolute gems.

[calendarpage]

Another brush with history - My first job out of college was in the Smithsonian Museum. I was there when Hirohito visited the US. He was a marine biologist and my department presented him with a specimen in a specially made case. There are pictures online of the visit and everytime I see them, I wonder if any of the senior scientists were veterans of the Pacific Theater and could never have dreamed they would be in the same room with Hirohito. This didn't occur to me at the time. Only the scientists got to meet him. The rest of us support staff peons just stood around.

[jeffdalrymple]

I would love to see a video on Yamamoto's hitchhike from Harvard to California and his compulsive all night poker games with a young Admiral Leahy.

[josephpadula]

A worked at Stevens Institute of Technology Davidson Lab in Hoboken, NJ. One of my senior lab technicians there was a tall, thin, man who was an MP in WWII.

One day he said “ touch my hand” . I looked at him strangely but did.

You now touched the hand of a man that touched Tojo!

He guarded Tojo during the war trials and had many physical interactions with him.
He also told me he had no pistol in his .45 cal holster ( they had a covering flap then) as the were afraid one of the prisoners would take it and kill themselves or try to escape to get shot on purpose .

[Jermster_]

Thanks for the upload. My dog might be put down today so I needed a distraction.

[garylawson]

Thanks again Mark Felton Productions for another uncovered piece of historical treasure!

[joerussell]

I love these esoteric type topics of war Mr. Felton covers! Bravo sir bravo!

[williamharris]

The horse was of American origins? Never knew! Amazing work Professor Felton!

[garyhardison]

Thank you for a interesting topic, something after 40 plus years of being a amateur WW2 Historian I had never thought about. Best wishes and have a great weekend my friend.

[nodarkthings]

Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.

[TXMEDRGR]

Professor Felton teaches me about things I didn't even know I wanted to know about.

[larryjohnson]

That was some great History. Thank You Mark.